Simple idea turns Gold Coast schoolboy into millionaire
At just 15, Sam Richards lives at his family home on the Gold Coast and is already worth a staggering seven figures.
Two years ago, Sam began a plastic glassware business named Bellaforte.
The company's inception began on a sunny afternoon while carrying drinks for his parents at their backyard pool.
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Gold Coast teen millionaire Sam Richards with his father, Phil. Nine
"I dropped them and I smashed them all, and it was a big disaster. But it got me thinking why don't I create something unbreakable," Sam told 9News.
From there, the budding entrepreneur raised equity, selling his idea to a room full of 2000 potential investors. It wasn't long before sales began pouring in.
"I pitched my business idea … and I raised about $900,000 in potential ... what people were willing to invest," he said.
His parents, Michelle and Phil were by their son's side through the experience.
"We don't have really high expectations, he is a 15-year-old after all ... Like we're just happy if he goes to school brushed his hair … brushed his teeth," Mr Richards said.
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Sam Richards came up with the idea for his business after an accident at his family home. Nine
As for what's next for Sam, his main focus right now is finishing high school.
"I'll go to university and do a business or marketing degree ... while at uni and stuff I can think of new business ideas," he said.
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